DHEC confirms 3 measles cases in SC children; none were vaccinated

by ABC News 4

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) —

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is continuing its investigation into a report of measles in a Spartanburg County resident, and is in the process of notifying people who may have been exposed in specific settings.

As part of this investigation, DHEC has identified two additional cases. This brings the current number of cases to three.

All three cases are children who are unvaccinated, not of school age and do not attend daycare, according to DHEC.

The individuals were seen at two urgent care facilities.

If you visited:

AFC Urgent Care at 1667 E. Main St. Duncan, SC on Sunday, Oct. 14 between 9 a.m. and noon or

Measles is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by a rash. The rash usually lasts five or six days.

"The measles virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes," said Dr. Linda Bell, DHEC's state epidemiologist. "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. I strongly encourage everyone to review their immunization records and make sure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations."

Spartanburg residents can receive free MMR vaccines by appointment until Nov. 7 at the Spartanburg County Health Department, located at 151 E. Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29305. Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment.